“There’s no way to get into that house except through its two doors or its windows,” the master carpenter declared, and the men who were watching knew he spoke the truth.
“It proves,” Granniss said, looking up from the plans to the actual walls, “it’s all just as this drawing shows it.”
“It certainly is,” agreed Doctor Varian. “There’s no missing bit.”
“No,” said Wise, thoughtfully, “there isn’t. And, at least, the carpenters have proved that there is no secret passage built into this house. Yet there is one. I will find it.”
For the first time, his words seemed to be spoken with his own conviction of their truth. His voice had a new ring,—his eyes a new brightness, and he seemed suddenly alert and powerful mentally, where, before, his hearers had thought him lacking in energy.
“You’ve thought of a new way to go about it?” asked Granniss.
“I have! It may not work, but I’ve a new idea, at least. Zizi, let me see that stained dress of yours again.”
Obediently Zizi brought her frock with the smear still on its hem. Wise looked at it closely, sniffed it carefully, and gave it back, saying:
“If you want to remove that stain, dear, just wash it with soap and water. It’ll come off then. Now, I’m going down to the village, and I may not be back for luncheon. Don’t wait for me.”
He went off, and Doctor Varian said to Zizi: